Synopsis
This is the story of a losing baseball team that became a 1970s dynasty, thanks to the unorthodox strategies and stunts of two very colorful men.
When Charlie Finley bought the A's in 1960, he was an outsider to the game—a insurance businessman with a larger-than-life personality. He brought his cousin Carl on as his right-hand man, moved the team from Kansas City to Oakland, and pioneered a new way to put together a winning team. With legendary players like Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, and Vida Blue, the Finleys' Oakland A's won three straight World Series and riveted the nation.
Now Carl Finley's daughter Nancy reveals the whole story behind her family's winning legacy—how her father and uncle developed their scouting strategy, why they employed odd gimmicks like orange baseballs and "mustache bonuses," and how the success of the '70s Oakland A's changed the game of baseball.
The book begins by examining Finley's rise to ownership of the Athletics, and his unconventional approach to running the team. This included his use of bright green and gold uniforms, his hiring of a mule named Charlie-O as the team's mascot, and his willingness to challenge established baseball conventions.
The book then delves into the on-field success of the A's under Finley and Williams, who were able to build a winning team through a combination of savvy drafting, shrewd trades, and innovative strategies. This included the use of a three-man pitching rotation, platooning of players based on their strengths, and a focus on players who excelled in specific statistical categories.
Throughout the book, Finley and Williams are presented as outsiders who were able to challenge the traditional way of thinking in baseball, and in doing so, changed the game forever. The book also explores the controversies and conflicts that arose during their tenure, including conflicts with players, league officials, and other owners.
Overall, "Finley Ball" provides a fascinating look at the history of the Oakland A's and the impact that Charlie Finley and Dick Williams had on the game of baseball. It is a must-read for any baseball fan interested in the history of the sport.